Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs

The Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs is headed by Assistant Secretary of State Thomas A. Shannon, Jr., who is responsible for managing and promoting U.S. interests in the region by supporting democracy, trade, and sustainable economic development, and fostering cooperation on issues such as drug trafficking and crime, poverty reduction, and environmental protection.

Mission:  We are working with our partners in the Americas to generate broad-based growth through freer trade and sound economic policies; to invest in the well-being of people from all walks of life; and to make democracy serve every citizen more effectively and justly.

Objectives:  We are strengthening an Inter-American community formed by:

• Economic partners that are democratic, stable, and prosperous;
• Friendly neighbors that help secure our region against terrorism and illegal drugs;
• Nations that work together in the world to advance shared political and economic values.